The National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) has introduced an innovative initiative called the Zero-Dose Learning Hub (ZDLH) to target children who have not yet received routine immunizations.
Implemented by the African Field Epidemiology Network (AFENET) in collaboration with the Africa Health Budget Network (AHBN) and with support from Gavi, the ZDLH aims to address immunization gaps among children.
During the launch of the initiative in Abuja, Faisal Shuaib, the Executive Director of NPHCDA, discussed the government’s efforts to improve routine immunization coverage. He highlighted the establishment of the National Emergency Routine Immunization Coordination Centre (NERICC) as a pivotal step in addressing low immunization rates.
Shuaib noted that since the inception of NERICC, immunization coverage has significantly increased nationwide. According to the 2021 National Immunization Coverage (NICS) report, Pentavalent vaccine 3 coverage reached an encouraging 57 percent.
Acknowledging the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted routine immunization efforts, Shuaib emphasized that the ZDLH initiative would serve as a strategic framework for Nigeria. It will enable the prompt development of evidence-based strategies to measure, monitor, and reach zero-dose children and underserved communities.
Shuaib highlighted the significance of the ZDLH, describing it as a symbol of hope and a commitment to reaching every child, regardless of their circumstances or place of birth.
He explained that the government’s goal is to enhance the capabilities of individuals involved in administering immunization services at both national and subnational levels through the learning hub. This empowerment will enable them to play an active role in reducing the number of zero-dose children in Nigeria.
Shuaib concluded by emphasizing that the launch of the Zero-Dose Learning Hub represents a significant milestone in the global effort to combat preventable diseases and ensure that no child is left behind in receiving essential immunizations.
